(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine today announced that he has named Jenifer French, of Westerville, to serve on the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). Governor DeWine intends to name French Chairwoman of the PUCO when her term commences.
French will serve the unexpired term ending on April 10, 2024, left open by Samuel Randazzo. This appointment is subject to confirmation by the Ohio Senate.
“As a judge, Jenifer French was known for studying all of the complex facts, and sorting through them to come to a just conclusion,” said Governor DeWine. “Her experience will be valuable as she leads the PUCO.”
French served as a judge on the Franklin County Common Pleas Court for six years, and presided over civil, criminal felony and administrative cases.
French has additional experience in the private sector, where she worked as a civil litigator for 14 years. She represented clients in business and insurance litigation, as well as represented both plaintiffs and defendants in complex civil litigation.
French holds a Juris Doctorate from Thomas Jefferson School of Law. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from The Ohio State University.
French previously served on the Westerville City Council, which included service as Vice Mayor.
French will start as Chairwoman when her term commences.